If you are having a radio frequency ablation, discuss it with the doctor to see if you are a good candidate. Those who served in the military and lost limb, can have ghost pain. RFA will help them 90% of the time but may need repeated every 2-3 years. I think it’s typically a bi-lateral procedure done left and right. It is done 2 or 3 times with a couple of weeks between each session. Do yourself a favor a document the times, level of discomfort and level of pain hourly. Memory is tricky but on paper, this helps the Dr know if it is worth pursuing. I hate to say this but if a Dr. doesn’t do anything, they don’t get paid. So, they have an incentive to become excited if you report, “I felt less pain for an hour, then the pain came back!” Now they feel validated to proceed but remember, an hour is not much for pain relief. Lumbar pain that I still have was gone 100%, after an epidural. But only lasted a day and 1/2. This information is better used by a surgeon who specializes in spinal cord stimulators. There job is like a RFA or an Epidural but harder. They place electrodes in the epidural space next to the many nerves that run sideways and down to group with others. Like a plate of noodles, location is crucial. 1/4” (7mm) higher or lower placement of electrodes, it either is right on, or miss.
But an RFA, keep accurate notes on pain level and time after the procedure. Once a little discomfort is over (Not Much) keep notes every hour. After it feels better, move. Walk to bedroom, go to the mail box. Watch the time and pain level, write it down. If all prior pain returns after an hour or two, tell the Dr. no. It’s a waist to time and more to go thru. Best of luck!